Abstract: A sampling swab useful in trace analyte detection is provided. The sampling swab possesses absorption/adsorption and desorption properties suitable for use trace analyte sample collection. The sampling swab is also capable of withstanding repeated high heat treatment and mechanical stress. A method for producing a sampling swab that is substantially free of impurities and detection interferants is also provided.

Abstract: A sampling swab useful in trace analyte detection is provided. The sampling swab possesses absorption/adsorption and desorption properties suitable for use trace analyte sample collection. The sampling swab is also capable of withstanding repeated mechanical stress and heat treatment. Methods for producing a sampling swab that is substantially free of impurities that interfere with analyte detection, but which remains sufficiently resistant to degradation by mechanical and heat stress are also provided.

Abstract: An method of, and an apparatus for, collecting a sample of a substance of interest, utilizes an apparatus having a device for collecting a vapor sample and a device for retaining a substrate. A substrate, having a working portion and a mounting portion, is mounted by the mounting portion of the substrate, whereby the working portion of the substrate is exposed for use. The apparatus so that the working portion of the substrate traverses surfaces of interest, to collect a particulate sample. A device for sampling vapor is operated to obtain a vapor sample. The vapor and particulate samples collected are analyzed.

Abstract: An method of, and an apparatus for, collecting a sample of a substance of interest, utilizes an apparatus having a device for collecting a vapor sample and a device for retaining a substrate. A substrate, having a working portion and a mounting portion, is mounted by the mounting portion of the substrate, whereby the working portion of the substrate is exposed for use. The apparatus so that the working portion of the substrate traverses surfaces of interest, to collect a particulate sample. A device for sampling vapor is operated to obtain a vapor sample. The vapor and particulate samples collected are analyzed.

Abstract: An method of, and an apparatus for, collecting a sample of a substance of interest, utilizes an apparatus having a device for collecting a vapor sample and a device for retaining a substrate. A substrate, having a working portion and a mounting portion, is mounted by the mounting portion of the substrate, whereby the working portion of the substrate is exposed for use. The apparatus so that the working portion of the substrate traverses surfaces of interest, to collect a particulate sample. A device for sampling vapor is operated to obtain a vapor sample. The vapor and particulate samples collected are analyzed.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring the concentration of water vapor in an ion mobility spectrometer which measures the drift time of a selected ion, having a tendency to form clusters of water molecules. As these clusters are formed, the drift time of the ion varies, and by monitoring this variation in drift time, a measure of the concentration of water vapor can be made. If this exceeds a certain level, a warning can be given and/or the instrument disabled. Preferably, a comparison is made between two different ions, one having at least a moderate tendency to form clusters with water molecules, and the other having a weak tendency to form such clusters. By comparing the two drift times, a relatively accurate determination of water concentration can be made, and this can automatically allow for variations of drift times due to other causes.

Abstract: A hand held sampling method is carried out using apparatus have a handle, a head connected to the handle and a mechanism for retaining a substrate on the head. The substrate is preferably a sheet-form flexible substrate which is mounted so as to present a collection portion thereof for collection of a sample. The substrate is preferably of a dimension so as to be readily fitted into the inlet portion of an analyzer. The apparatus is manipulated so that the collection portion of the substrate traverses surfaces of interest. The substrate is then removed and placed at the inlet of an analyzer for desorption of a sample. The apparatus enables an area to be sampled quickly and efficiently, while keeping a user's hands away from the surface, and this enables otherwise inaccessible areas to be sampled. It does not require any intermediate transfer steps, transferring a sample from a collection media to another substrate for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A hand held sampling apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus has a handle, a head connected to the handle and a mechanism for retaining a substrate on the head. The substrate is preferably a sheet-form flexible substrate which is mounted so as to present a collection portion thereof for collection of a sample. The substrate is preferably of a dimension so as to be readily fitted into the inlet portion of an analyzer. The apparatus enables an area to be sampled quickly and efficiently, while keeping a user's hands away from the surface, and this enables otherwise inaccessible areas to be sampled. It does not require any intermediate transfer steps, transferring a sample from a collection media to another substrate for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of a chemical sample from the fingers of an individual for subsequent analytical analysis comprises a token having a base and a substrate on the base. The substrate defines an area such that when the token is removed from a token dispenser the fingers of the individual come into contact with the substrate. Sufficient force must be applied by the fingers of the individual to the substrate when the token is removed from the token dispenser that a chemical sample is transferred from the fingers of the individual to the substrate. The token is then presented for analysis. The substrate may be polytetrafluoroethylene or cotton. A token handler for use in association with the token and an analyzer is also disclosed. Additionally, a method of using the token to obtain a chemical sample from the fingers of an individual is disclosed.